Pilots: Deal with American Airlines still possible

The pilots union on Tuesday said a labor agreement with American Airlines that includes an ownership stake in the company is still possible, according to The Associated Press.

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) and American Airlines have been involved in a labor dispute since shortly after AMR Corp., the company that owns the airline, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last November. American Airlines offered the union a deal that included a 13.5 percent stake in AMR, which the pilots rejected.

American Airlines had said that offer was final, but the union said there’s still hope for an agreement that includes an ownership stake.

The pilots union is the only labor group that has not approved new contracts with American in the wake of the bankruptcy. The union’s negotiating committee said it is seeking a deal would help them influence decisions that the airline makes about mergers and management. 

The union also wants pay increases that bring the pilots’ salaries in line with those of Delta Air Lines.

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